The Fiber Deployment Dilemma: Only Four Nigerian States Deliver on Zero RoW Pledge
In 2020, Nigerian state governors, spurred by a national initiative spearheaded by the then Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, pledged to eliminate Right-of-Way (RoW) fees for telecom operators. This was a critical step aimed at boosting broadband penetration and making internet access more affordable across Nigeria. The promise was simple: reduce costs for operators, leading to lower data prices for consumers.
The Reality of RoW Implementation
Despite the widespread promises, the practical implementation of these zero RoW policies has been significantly lacking. According to information obtained exclusively by TechCabal from a mobile network operator, only four states – Anambra, Kaduna, Katsina, and Kwara – have genuinely delivered on their commitments. This uneven execution has created a substantial obstacle to the industry’s development. Operators report that hidden fees and inconsistencies in state regulations continue to inflate deployment expenses. This in turn slows down the deployment of the fiber optic infrastructure crucial for delivering affordable, high-quality internet connectivity. Nigeria’s ambitious broadband goals now face the harsh reality of a widening gap between political pronouncements and actual on-the-ground implementation, hindering progress in achieving nationwide digital inclusion.
Keywords
Related Keywords: Fiber optic deployment, zero RoW pledge, state fiber initiatives, fiber rollout, rightofway, broadband expansion, infrastructure investment, states with fiber, fiber optic infrastructure, digital divide
